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CTF 76 Commander Hosts U.S.-Japan Friendship Event Aboard Essex

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070418-02
Release Date: 4/18/2007 12:46:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Adam R. Cole, Task Force 76 Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Senior military and government officials of the United States and Japan gathered aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) April 11 for a reception hosted by Commander Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger.

The event was attended by commanders of air wings and ground units from the Japan Self Defense Force; the commander of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade; commanding officers of the ships of the Essex Amphibious Readiness Group (ESXARG); commanding officers of a number of U.S. Marine Corps camps in Okinawa; U.S. Air Force air wing commanders, as well as many Japanese civilian leaders and politicians. Acting U.S. Consul General to Okinawa, Carmela Conroy, also attended.

The reception, which came at the conclusion of the ESXARG’s spring patrol, was held to honor the U.S.-Japan alliance and Japanese support of U.S. forces -- key elements in making it possible for the ESXARG and other CTF 76 ships to meet regional training commitments.

“The reason we have come together this evening is to celebrate our strong U.S.-Japan alliance and the peace and prosperity that alliance has brought to the Asia-Pacific region. There is no closer relationship for the U.S. Navy than the one we enjoy with the Japanese,” said Pottenger in remarks to attendees.

“So, I thank each and every Japanese citizen and fellow Self-Defense Force officer for your friendship, your partnership and your support.”

Conroy related the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance in terms of allowing the vibrancy of the region to continue to thrive.

“In America, we have a common saying, ‘Time is money,’" said Conroy. “In military operations, in war and in peace, time is not just money: Time is life. The forward-deployment of U.S. naval assets to Okinawa deters threats and permits rapid relief to victims of tsunamis, of mudslides, of earthquakes ... which ultimately saves lives."

Conroy concluded, “With that said, our profound thanks goes to our Japanese partners, military and citizens, for making it possible for the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance.”

Throughout the evening, United States and Japanese military and civilian leaders met each other and exchanged dialogue. Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Kenji Noi felt the exchange was very positive in building relations.

“[This reception] is a way to bring our communications to a personal level,” said Noi, Commander of Fleet Air Wing 5. “It is not only good to interact with military counterparts, but also those of the community, the spouses, family members and association leaders who support what we do.”

Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force 76, is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. ESG 7/Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility Okinawa, with an operating detachment in Sasebo.